Jobs For Summer - Timothy L. Lynch

Timothy L. Lynch of Hampton, president of Excel Industries, believes in helping college students achieve their full potential.

That's why he started a service to find temporary jobs for them during the summer.

"We ran this service last summer, helping from 10 to 15 students find temporary jobs in their fields," he says.

"The students are really overwhelmed with it. They like it because they usually get summer jobs that have no relevance to their fields. In the jobs we get them, they are able to become familiar with the duties they will encounter once they graduate and go into permanent positions."

Such temporary employment allows students to confirm in their minds that they are pursuing the right field. Some engineers are able to work with computer designing, which they ordinarily would not be exposed to until after graudation, he says.

The employers like the service because it comes at a time of the year they can use extra help and they like helping students who may someday return to them for full-time employment, he says.

Lynch and his staff of two plan to expand their services this summer to 50 students and businesses.

"I remember all of the tedious jobs I had when I came through school," he says. "If I could have had relevant jobs, I could have done my studies better and I could have come out out it stronger."

At other times of the year, Excel helps individuals set up businesses and provides office services and guidance, he says.

Lynch attended Christopher Newport College for three years, than had to quit in 1984 to go to work because he didn't have enough money to continue. He started Excel in 1987. He has gone back to his studies at CNC seeking a bachelor of science degree in computer science.

He is pursuing his education, even while operating a business in the day and working at NASA Langley Research Center at night. "I believe education is the way to free yourself," he says.

Born in Hampton, Lynch says he wants to enhance the community in any way that he can.